[CALIBK12] Burning DVDs from VHS tapes

Fri Dec 14 08:49:51 PST 2007

Happy holidays, everyone
I replied earlier just to Nathaniel, but I will reply to all since this
is a larger issue.  
Check copyright law. It clearly states that you may not copy or change
the format of a copyrighted item with two exceptions:
1. the technology is obsolete and players cannot be purchased at
reasonable prices (BetaMax and Laser Disks fall under this) and the item
is not available for purchase in a newer format.
2. A library may make a back up copy for temporary use when the original
is broken, but to use the back up the library must be actively
purchasing a replacement copy. If a replacement is not available, the
backup must be discarded.
So even if the video is not available in another format, you may not
copy it or change format without the copyright holder's permission. Try
writing for permission - some will be given easily, others will say no,
and many will get no response, which also means no. 
Yes, the law is very restrictive, but not really more than for a book.
You don't photocopy whole books when one wears out. You can't legally
read the book onto a tape (changing format) and circulate it. If a book
is out of print, it is still in copyright and the law applies until 75
years after the author's death.

George Pilling
District Library Media Supervisor
Visalia Unified School District
5000 W. Cypress Avenue
Visalia  CA  93277

(559) 730-7349
FAX (559) 730-7693
gpilling at visalia.k12.ca.us
http://visalia.k12.ca.us/library
www.tucolib.net <http://www.tucolib.net/>  

________________________________

From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu
[mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of Barnes, Margaret
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2007 10:40 AM
To: Donna DeLap; Nathaniel Powell; Brian Brown
Cc: calibk12 at lists.sjsu.edu
Subject: Re: [CALIBK12] Burning DVDs from VHS tapes

I researched this recently for our district and my understanding that
the only media that can be copied for "backup" are computer software
programs.  Other media copies can circulate for a short time ONLY while
a replacement is on order and then must be withdrawn.  And copying to
reformat is a no-no.  Do I have that right George?

Maggie Barnes

District Librarian

Santa Ana Unified School District

3321 South Fairview St.

Santa Ana, CA 92704

714-433-3432, x73432

margaret.barnes at sausd.us

"Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself
on fire."
- Arnold H. Glasow

________________________________

From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu
[mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of Donna DeLap
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:54 AM
To: Nathaniel Powell; Brian Brown
Cc: calibk12 at lists.sjsu.edu
Subject: Re: [CALIBK12] Burning DVDs from VHS tapes

I'd like to see something official that says that.

Library Media Teacher

Sierra Vista Middle School

Irvine

>>> Nathaniel Powell <powell at aaps.k12.mi.us> 12/13/2007 6:25 AM >>>
Hi Brian,

As I understand the policy, you are permitted to digitize a video tape.
"The DVD is considered your "Back up" copy - which we are all legally
allowed to have/do. You can keep the Video as your "Master" and
circulate the DVD."

Hope this helps.

Nat

Nathaniel L. Powell, Ed.D.

Librarian Media Specialist

Community High School

401 N. Division Street

Ann Arbor, MI 48104

734 994-2025

FAX 734 994-0025

"How does a "technology immigrant teacher" teach a "technology native
student?" -- Dr. Marielizabeth Crompton

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought
without accepting it." -- Aristotle

On Dec 12, 2007, at 1:17 PM, Brian Brown wrote:

Does anyone have any information on the copyright issues for converting
an older VHS collection into DVD format? Someone told me it was okay if
for educational purposes, but I had thought that it was not. Any sources
you have explaining this would be very helpful. Thanks!

Brian Brown, LMT

Yuba City High School 

Yuba City, CA

bbrown at ycusd.k12.ca.us

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